This year, we’ve seen a lot of changes in the world of sustainable products. From plastic straws to Styrofoam, people are starting to realize that the way we use our resources is hugely important. This is especially true when it comes to cutlery. In this article, we’ll discuss what you should know about sustainable cutlery and why it matters so much in today’s world!
Sustainable Cutlery vs. Regular Cutlery
Sustainable cutlery uses biodegradable materials, while regular cutlery is only using materials to last a short time before disposal. It is also more durable than regular cutlery, and thus lasts longer.
On the downside, sustainable cutlery can be expensive in comparison to regular utensils. The cost of this type of tableware depends on what you’re looking for—you’ll find it in various price ranges depending on where your meal will take place (e.g., at home or a restaurant).
Impact of Sustainable Cutlery
This a huge step in reducing plastic waste
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re already familiar with the many ways that plastic is harming our planet. We all know that it’s a non-renewable resource and one of the biggest threats to our environment, but what you might not realize is how pervasive plastic is in your daily life.
Plastic isn’t just in your water bottle or your grocery bag—it’s also in your kitchen knives and forks! Your kitchen utensils contain tiny pieces of plastic called polystyrene microbeads (PSMBs). PSMBs are added to make plastic products stronger so they can withstand wear and tear over time.
However, these tiny pieces of PSMBs often end up contaminating waterways where fish feed on them and become sick as a result. The best way for us humans to protect marine life from ingesting these harmful particles? Stop using them altogether!
Helps save the environment
By using sustainable cutlery, you are helping to save the environment. It reduces plastic waste by using 100% biodegradable materials instead of plastic. It also reduces carbon footprint by not emitting toxic gases into the atmosphere when manufacturing is done in a green way.
Helps save money
The first thing to know about sustainable cutlery is that it’s more expensive than regular cutlery. But, in the long run, you’ll save money by using this type of utensil. Here’s why:
Sustainable cutlery uses materials like bamboo and wood rather than plastic or metal. These materials are more durable and last longer than traditional cutlery (which breaks easily).
Sustainable cutlery uses less energy to produce because it doesn’t have to be mass-produced as plastic does. This means fewer greenhouse gases in the atmosphere as well as lower costs for you!
Convenient
The most obvious benefit of sustainable cutlery is that it’s easy to use. It’s also affordable, easy to store and transport, and doesn’t need to be thrown away or recycled.
In addition, more benefits make sustainable cutlery more convenient than its disposable counterpart. For example, it doesn’t take up nearly as much space in your kitchen drawers or cabinets because you don’t need as many pieces (you can buy sets containing anywhere from 4 to 12 knives).
Types of Sustainable Cutlery
Bamboo
Bamboo is a fast-growing crop and is harvestable in just four years. It’s also biodegradable, meaning it won’t harm the environment when you use it and then throw it away. You can use bamboo to make all kinds of products—from chopsticks and spoons to knives! This makes bamboo a sustainable resource that doesn’t have an impact on the environment.
Wheat Straw
Made from wheat straw, this type of sustainable cutlery has the advantage of being both compostable and recyclable. The straw is dried and turned into a fiberboard, which can then be cut and moulded into your desired shape. This process also makes it possible for manufacturers to provide an unlimited variety of designs.
The material is heat-resistant up to 120 degrees Celsius (248 degrees Fahrenheit). It’s safe for hot foods like soup or chilli, as well as cold foods like ice cream or yoghurt. The material is biodegradable in a matter of weeks if you put it in a compost pile or leave it outside on your lawn after use.
Sugarcane
You can use this type of utensil to eat your food, and even the handle comes from sugarcane. Sugarcane is a renewable resource that’s usable for ethanol production, sugar production, paper production, and biofuel. As a bonus, because these products come out of sugarcane and not petroleum products like plastic or wood handles (which require energy to create), they’re more environmentally friendly.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is a biodegradable and compostable material that’s recyclable. It comes from cornstarch, and it’s the key ingredient in many types of plastic cutlery.
Forks made from cornstarch are usually white or clear, with a very smooth texture. The handle will either be rounded or flat on one side and ridged on the other. Some sets come with chopsticks as well—and those may be an option for you if you want something more durable than wooden alternatives, but don’t have much room to store them in your kitchen drawer!
Cornstarch forks also tend to break easily when dropped onto hard floors (something they’re likely to do if they’re not sturdy enough), so they might not be right for everyone—but if you’re looking for an eco-friendly alternative while still getting some moderate function out of your utensils, then this is probably what you need!
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel is a great option for sustainable cutlery. This type of metal is extremely durable and recyclable to extend its lifespan. Stainless steel cutlery is not biodegradable, but it’s recyclable with other metal items such as aluminium cans, steel cans, tin foil, etc.
8 Sustainable Cutlery You Must Buy
Gongi Bamboo Disposable Cutlery Set
At first glance, you might be thinking, “What are those sticks?” But they are the most sustainable cutlery set we’ve ever seen. Gongi Bamboo Disposable Cutlery Set is 100% biodegradable and compostable and made from one of the fastest-growing trees on earth.
Not only are they eco-friendly and sustainable, but these spoons have been proven to be naturally antimicrobial as well as anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. The best part is that when it comes time for disposal, these bamboo utensils can easily be mixed with your garden scraps or composted into soil.
GreenThinker Disposable Bamboo Utensils
If you want to go green, try GreenThinker’s Disposable Bamboo Utensils. These consist of sustainable bamboo, so they’re 100% biodegradable. They’re also dishwasher-safe and reusable (but not microwave-safe), which makes them great for parties or picnics because you don’t have to worry about washing them after each use. The best part is that these utensils won’t leave a residue on your food!
These disposable utensils come in a set of 12 so they are versatile at any party without worrying about the cleanup afterwards. Just toss these bad boys into your compost bin when the party’s over and call it a day!
EcoStar Portable Wheat Straw Cutlery Set
Made from 100% biodegradable wheat straw, this set is not only compostable but also reusable and dishwasher safe. The EcoStar Portable Cutlery Set includes bio-based spoons, forks, knives, and packaging.
It’s not a huge surprise that the product comes from biodegradable wheat straws. After all, it’s intended to be thrown away in your compost bin once you’re done eating or drinking. However, other disposable cutlery options are recyclable if you’re feeling particularly eco-conscious (and don’t mind doing some extra work). The real benefit here is that with this cutlery set you’ll never have to worry about running out of utensils again!
AltoEco Wheat Straw Cutlery
One of the most popular options on the market is AltoEco’s Wheat Straw Cutlery. They are 100% natural, biodegradable and compostable. The spoons come from wheat straw, while their forks come from corn. They come packed in a reusable box to help keep them clean, which can be used as storage when not in use or for storing other cutlery you already own (you might want to buy two sets!).
They’re easy to clean too; all you need is soap and water! And when it’s time for them to pass into history – because nothing lasts forever – they’re disposable easily by throwing them directly into your food waste bin or compost heap.
One thing we like about this option from AltoEco is that it comes with both a spoon and fork – so you don’t have to remember which one goes where! You get everything at once: one set per person (so 2 people will get 2 sets).
EQUO Sugarcane Utensils
EQUO Sugarcane Utensils made from sugarcane are perfect for anyone who wants to make their carbon footprint a little smaller. Made entirely from plants, these cutlery items are not only come from sustainable materials but also compostable once you’re done with them.
The reusable utensils come in sets of 4 pieces: fork, spoon, knife, and chopsticks! And they’re not just eco-friendly—they’re also dishwasher safe and BPA-free so they won’t leach harmful chemicals into your food (or your body). A great choice for any dinner party or family gathering!
Home-Link Cornstarch Cutlery
The Home-Link Cornstarch Cutlery comes from 100% plant-based cornstarch. It’s eco-friendly and compostable! They’re also dishwasher safe, so you can use them in the microwave. You can buy sets of 4, 8, 12, and 24 pieces if you want to make sure you have enough on hand for all your meals.
GreenWorks Cornstarch Bio-based Spoons
The GreenWorks Cornstarch Bio-based Spoons come from 100% corn starch, which is biodegradable, recyclable, and reusable. These spoons have been extensively undergoing tests by independent laboratories and are continuously support to meet all US Food & Drug Administration standards for food contact applications. The heat resistance up to 180°C makes them safe for use in the microwave or oven.
These eco-friendly cutlery pieces are usable in place of any other wooden or plastic utensils you may already have at home. They come with an ergonomic design that not only makes them easier to hold but also reduces hand fatigue after prolonged use throughout the day—so you don’t need to worry about needing any replacements anytime soon!
Topbooc Portable Stainless Steel Cutlery Set
Topbooc Portable Stainless Steel Cutlery Set consists of recycled stainless steel. It’s compact and makes a great eco-friendly alternative to plastic or paper utensils. The bamboo carrying case ensures that you can carry it anywhere, even when travelling.
The Topbooc Portable Stainless Steel Cutlery Set comes with 4 different types of cutlery: spoon, fork, knife, and chopsticks. It’s also dishwasher safe so you don’t need to worry about hand washing before using them again!
Conclusion
With so many different types of sustainable cutlery to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which is the best option for you. However, the most important thing is that you do your research before purchasing any type of product and make sure that it fits in with your lifestyle. If you’re passionate about sustainability or just want to reduce your impact on the environment as much as possible, then we hope this article has helped guide your decision!
So if you’ve already decided to switch to sustainable cutlery, you might want to check out some of the eco-friendly cutlery sets too!
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